Senior Test Lead
Atif Memon
Day to Day tasks
Planning & Coordination, Oversight of Testing Activities, Defect Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Coaching & Mentoring, Continuous Improvement, management of the test facility.
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
Clear communication, Stakeholder management, Team leadership, Conflict resolution, Influencing & negotiation, Problem-solving mindset, Empathy & patience.
My working environment
My team and I work within the transport digital ticketing space, where we manage a dedicated test facility equipped with a wide range of physical devices, as well as conduct testing across the software systems that underpin much of the UK National Rail Digital Ticketing network. I am fortunate to work in a highly supportive environment, backed by strong leadership, while also leading and managing a team of five to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Pathways into this role
I have built my career in the UK transport digital ticketing space, progressing from Test Analyst through to Digital Ticketing Manager for a major train operator. Along the way, I have gained both commercial and technical expertise, which now enables me to support and drive a range of industry-leading digital ticketing initiatives in my current role. While my own journey has been shaped by hands-on experience across multiple roles, the typical pathway into a Senior Test Lead position is QA → Test Lead → Senior Test Lead → Test Manager.
Education
e.g., GCSE
I hold a bachelor’s degree and an ISTQB certification, which has become the standard minimum requirement for entering a software testing role.
Best and most challenging things about this job
The most rewarding aspect of being a Senior Test Lead is driving collaboration across teams, ensuring quality delivery, and seeing the direct impact of testing on a successful go live.
The biggest challenge is balancing tight deadlines, changing requirements, and differing stakeholder priorities while still maintaining the integrity of the test process and overall product quality.
IT Apprentice
Piya Patel
Day to Day tasks
I rotate with different teams across Network Rail, building skills in project management, website governance and communications.
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
Listening, Creativity, Teamwork
Education
e.g., GCSE
I have A-Levels in business studies, IT, politics and media studies - and I'm currently doing a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions as part of my Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
Best and most challenging things about this job
I love the variety of my role. The hands-on experience, project ownership and the opportunity to make a tangible impact makes it both exciting and rewarding.
Coder
George White
Day to Day tasks
I love problem solving to build software that helps my colleagues do their jobs and keeps our passengers safe.
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
Teamwork, Problem Solving, Creativity
Education
e.g., GCSE
I have A-Levels in IT, history and geography, and a degree in digital technology solutions.
Best and most challenging things about this job
I find great satisfaction in problem solving. I love that my job allows me to help hundreds, if not thousands, of people in their roles.
There are also many other rail roles in the Digital & Innovation category, such as Systems Analyst, Data Scientist, Cyber Security Specialist, Digital Product Owner, Web Developer and Data Analyst.